Exclusive: Nassau's new comptroller eyes run at Schumer

News, views and commentary on Long Island, state and national politics.

Nassau Comptroller George Maragos apparently is looking for lightning to strike twice.

The Great Neck Republican, a wealthy businessman who won his first race for elected office last November, is exploring a challenge against New York’s senior Sen. Charles Schumer this fall and has been meeting with political leaders across the state to test the waters, sources say.

Some Nassau Republicans attempted to dissuade Maragos, saying he should concentrate on being comptroller for now, sources say. But Maragos is forging ahead with Nassau GOP Chairman Joseph Mondello’s reluctant blessing.